Restoring Your Home After a Disaster

How To Deal With Biohazard Cleanup Until A Pro Shows Up

You've contacted a biohazard cleanup services provider, and they have an appointment scheduled. There may still be a few things you'll have to do to keep the situation from getting worse until the company can get a technician to your location. Here is a checklist you should follow to contain the problem.

Remove All Unqualified People from the Area Immediately

If someone does not have formal training and up-to-date certifications, they do not need to be anywhere near your biohazard cleanup project. Your on-site roster should include information about who is and isn't qualified, so sort it out fast if you don't have this info. If someone says they did an internship at a lab one summer, that probably doesn't count unless they've kept their certifications current.

Assume all non-personnel aren't qualified. Don't take anyone's word for it. Simply get them out of the area as soon as possible.

Cordon Off the Area

Prevent anyone from getting into where the biohazard is. Put up yellow tape as far from the spot as you reasonably can control with the available security personnel you have. Try to avoid creating a bigger perimeter than you can control, but don't leave anyone close enough to the site of the biohazard that they risk exposure.

Get Everyone Contained and Clean

You should have disinfectants, flush stations, and showers at your location if you regularly handle biohazards. Follow protocols as diligently as possible, and keep all exposed people contained until you get an all-clear from a qualified professional.

If a biohazard is present that you weren't prepared for, make sure your containment area is in a different building or in an outdoor area. Have people apply disinfectants, if they're available. If you're not sure whether you have the right facilities for showering, do not encourage it until a professional has checked your facilities.

Suit Up, If Absolutely Necessary

Protective suits should be available at your location if you regularly deal with biohazardous materials. These should only be used when responding to an urgent problem, such as a fire that has to be put out to prevent a bigger calamity. If at all possible, double up on gloves before going in.

When you're done with the suits and gloves, all contaminated materials must be contained. Have disposal bags ready to collect all equipment. If you put down absorbent materials to collect a spill, leave it for the professionals to handle.

To learn more, contact a resource that offers biohazard cleanup services.


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